Vitamins... The Good, The Bad and the Ugly "Supplements 101"

I'd like to include in my blog, some information about vitamins, minerals and other 'health supplements'. I plan on making regular posts focusing on one or more of these substances. So if you enjoy this blurb and find it informative check back soon.

Most, if not all, people today know Vitamins and Minerals are good for them. For many people that's were their knowledge base not only begins, but ends as well.

So here is a little crash course for you to learn more about these essential nutrients.

Today's lesson will focus on the least known of the 'fat soluble' vitamins - K.

Vitamins are divided into two types: Water soluble (C and the B group) as well as the fat soluble (A, D, E and K).

Vitamin K is needed for proper bone formation and blood clotting, in both cases by helping the body transport calcium in blood. If you tend to bruise easily, a little more Vit. K might be all you need.

The best sources are leafy green vegetables, parsley, kiwi fruit and avocado.

The recommended daily intake for an adult is between 90-120 micrograms.

Vitamin K deficiencies are very rare, but are mostly related to an absorption problem, rather than an lack of dietary intake. It results primarily in failure of the bodies normal clotting mechanism (excess bleeding).

Quick facts:

By far the best way to get all of your nutrients is through a healthy diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation should be though of as a way to 'top up' your intake of these essential nutrients, not as a replacement for a healthy eating choices.

Whenever possible, try to purchase your supplements in 'capsule or gel cap' for rather than 'tablets'. Tablets tend to be hard pressed and don't breakdown as well in the stomach and therefore don't absorb as well.

If tablets are all you can find, test them at home to see how easily they breakdown. Put one tablet in a glass of luke warm water and let it sit for about an hour. Lift the glass up and swirl the water around - if it the tablet starts falling apart easily then the product should be absorbed well by the body.